What is the difference between fructose intolerance and fructose malabsorption?

Hereditary fructose intolerance is a rare genetic condition where the body lacks an enzyme to break down fructose, causing serious symptoms. Fructose malabsorption is more common and causes digestive discomfort. Both benefit from clear food labelling via an allergy card.

Can I eat any fruit with fructose intolerance?

Some fruits are lower in fructose than others. Berries, citrus fruits, and bananas are often better tolerated, while apples, pears, and mangoes are high in fructose. Your dietitian can guide you, and your card helps restaurants understand your limits.

Does fructose intolerance mean I cannot eat sugar?

Not all sugar is fructose. Table sugar (sucrose) contains fructose and glucose in equal parts. Glucose on its own is generally tolerated. Your card helps clarify the specific sugars to avoid.

Fructose Allergy Card

Name: Fructose Allergy Card
Brand: AllergIQ
Availability: InStock

Create a personalised fructose allergy card. Clearly communicate your high-fructose corn syrup, honey, agave, apples, fructose sweeteners allergies to restaurants and food providers.

Allergens Covered

High-fructose corn syrup
Honey
Agave
Apples
Fructose sweeteners

Add your own allergens to fully customise your card

Fructose intolerance - whether hereditary fructose intolerance or fructose malabsorption - means your body cannot properly process fructose, the natural sugar found in fruits, honey, and many processed foods. A fructose allergy card helps food providers understand your dietary restrictions and avoid ingredients that could cause a reaction.

Hidden Sources of Fructose

Fructose is not limited to fruit. High-fructose corn syrup is used in soft drinks, sweets, baked goods, cereals, and many processed foods. Honey, agave syrup, and some sweeteners are high in fructose. Certain vegetables like onions, artichokes, and asparagus also contain significant amounts. Even some medications use fructose or sorbitol (which converts to fructose) as a sweetener.

How a Fructose Intolerance Card Helps

Fructose intolerance is much less well known than allergies like peanut or dairy. Many food handlers may not realise that honey, certain fruits, and corn syrup all contain fructose. A card that lists the specific ingredients to avoid gives kitchen staff a practical reference.

When to Use Your Fructose Intolerance Card

Carry your card at all restaurants, cafés, and juice bars. It is especially useful at places serving smoothies, desserts, and cocktails where fruit and syrups are core ingredients. School canteens and work events also benefit from seeing your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fructose intolerance and fructose malabsorption?: Hereditary fructose intolerance is a rare genetic condition where the body lacks an enzyme to break down fructose, causing serious symptoms. Fructose malabsorption is more common and causes digestive discomfort. Both benefit from clear food labelling via an allergy card.
Can I eat any fruit with fructose intolerance?: Some fruits are lower in fructose than others. Berries, citrus fruits, and bananas are often better tolerated, while apples, pears, and mangoes are high in fructose. Your dietitian can guide you, and your card helps restaurants understand your limits.
Does fructose intolerance mean I cannot eat sugar?: Not all sugar is fructose. Table sugar (sucrose) contains fructose and glucose in equal parts. Glucose on its own is generally tolerated. Your card helps clarify the specific sugars to avoid.

Create Your Free Fructose Allergy Card

Use AllergIQ to create a personalised fructose allergy card in minutes. Download a digital version for free or order a printed card to carry with you.